Venture Capital Speakers Series - Brown Bag Lunch

Venture Capital Speakers Series - Brown Bag Lunch

Tuesday, February 5, 2008; Rangos 3, University Center
12:30 to 2:30pm

How do I start a company?

You are ready to take the leap! So what do you do first? Which are the big questions and which is the minutia that can wait until later? If you want investors there are some key steps you can take to make your company attractive. Sean Sebastian of Birchmere Ventures will help give you the big picture and see the important details in making the first critical decisions in starting your company. Topics will include determining the corporate entity that is right for your business, the basics of your business plan, how to attract a VC’s attention, and the key points of investment rounds. Don’t miss this opportunity to openly discuss critical topics with a successful venture capitalist.

Rangos 3, University Center
12:30 to 2:30pm
Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Session topics:

Getting your company started
Secure licensing rights
Write a business plan
Executive summary
Product description
Market description
Marketing plan
Competition
Management team
Capital need
Projections
Get a lawyer
Get an accountant
Form of corporate entity
Types
Strengths & weaknesses
Setting early valuation
Convertible notes
Attract first money
Finding & dealing with angels
How to get a VC’s attention
Know your audience
Get a referral
Modeling a financing plan from finish to start
Write-ups & cram downs

If you have questions or comments please contact me.

Rob Conway;
Senior Manager, Business Development and Licensing;
Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation;
Carnegie Mellon University;
rconway@cmu.edu